From the rise of storefront theater companies to the Windy City’s long history with turning out groundbreaking comedians to the films and TV shows shooting there, we look at Chicago’s healthy and vibrant arts scene

Over the last few years the Windy City has experienced a renaissance of sorts, thanks in part to its iconic skyline, skilled production workforce, and universal esteem—but mostly thanks to the 30-percent tax credit enacted in early 2009.

Thanks to low rent and reams of young talent, the Windy City’s storefront theaters—including the Hypocrites, TimeLine Theatre Company, and Profiles Theatre—boast a veritable underground of undiscovered actors and potential next big things.